Plato

Apology. Socrates argues for his character, and ultimately his life, in front of an Athenian jury. He is charged with being “a doer of evil who corrupts the youth; and who does not believe in the gods of the state, but has other new divinities of his own” (24c). Socrates points out that none of these youths, nor their guardians, have stepped forward to condemn him. He further argues that his dedication to the Oracle at Delphi proves he believes in gods and is not an atheist. The jury is not convinced and condemns Socrates to death for being a philosopher.